SAN DIEGO (BRAIN) — Competitor Group Inc., which has owned Velo magazine, VeloNews.com and VeloPress since 2008, is now interested in selling off the brands, a spokesman for the San Diego-based company said Thursday.

CGI also would like to sell its TriRock series of triathlons as it refocuses on the running market, said Kurt Hoy, a CGI senior vice president and group publisher.

CGI, then owned by Falconhead Capital, bought Boulder, Colorado-based Inside Communications in 2008. That purchase included VeloNews, VeloNews.com, VeloPress, VeloGear, VeloSwap and Inside Triathlon. VeloGear was later sold, and Inside Triathlon was moved to San Diego and then shut down in early 2014. VeloNews was renamed Velo (the website is still VeloNews) and remains based in Boulder, as does VeloPress. 

CGI launched the TriRock series 2010. It currently has eight events. In 2012, Falconhead sold Competitor Group to Calera Capital.

Hoy said that senior managers at CGI have recently decided to focus on becoming "the world's greatest running company," and thus began looking at selling its bike-related properties.

"We've had a number of interested parties who have inquired about these properties, especially the Boulder-based properties," said Hoy. "I think this move will allow someone to become a steward for those brands and keep (Velo and VeloPress) aligned with cycling at their core."

CGI also owns Competitor, Women's Running and Triathlete magazines and has expanded rapidly into owning and operating events, including the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon series and the TriRock series. Hoy said CGI would retain Triathlete because of the synergies between the triathlon and running markets.

Felix Magowan, a former principal in Inside Communications and former publisher of VeloNews, has made no secret in recent years of his desire to buy back the businesses that he help build. Magowan and other investors bought VeloNews from its Vermont-based publisher in the late 1980s and moved it to Boulder. He told BRAIN this week that while he's had no formal discussions recently with Competitor, he remains interested.

"(VeloPress publisher) Ted Costantino and (Velo editor in chief) Neal Rogers have done a great job managing VeloPress and VeloNews, and Competitor Group have been shrewd stewards of the brands these past six years," Magowan said. "It would be a privilege to again be involved with assets that are so loved by consumers, retailers and the industry."

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, Calif. (BRAIN) — Interbike has announced the second round of categories and nominees for the 2014 Interbike Awards, including retailer, athlete and advocacy designations. Bicycle Retailer & Industry News, which made the nominations for the retail awards, has opened up an online voting ballot to pick the winners.

Categories for the retailer awards include Best Urban/Lifestyle Shop, Best Pro Road Shop, Best Mountain Bike Shop, Best Women's/Female Friendly Shop and 2014 Retailer of the Year. There are five nominees within each category, including Bicycle Habitat (New York), Huckleberry (California), Bicycle Haus (Arizona), Over the Edge (Colorado) and Bicycle Garage Indy (Indiana), to name a few. Winners will be determined by an open industry online ballot and vetted by BRAIN editorial staff. The ballot can be found at surveymonkey.com/s/WHRH8Z8.

Velo magazine has selected the list of nominees within the athlete categories. Andrew Talansky, Alison Powers, Georgia Gould, Marianne Vos, Eric Marcotte and Taylor Phinney are among those tapped as nominees for the categories, which include International Cyclist of the Year, North American Revelation Rider of the Year, North American Road Cyclist of the Year, North American MTB Cyclist of the Year and more.

PeopleForBikes headed up the advocacy award nominations within the Next Generation Award, PlacesForBikes Award and the Leadership Award categories. These nominees have all played a huge role in the furthering of our industry this year, and the group includes standouts like the Recycle-A-Bicycle program in New York, the AtlantaBeltline and Mayor Greg Ballard of Indianapolis, Indiana.

A complete list of nominees for all award categories can be found at interbike.com/events/awards-night.

Tickets for the IB Awards can be purchased during the Interbike registration process. Special advanced ticket pricing for the event is $75 per person, and includes drinks, a sit-down dinner, awards show entertainment and complimentary access to the annual Sinclair Party. Advanced ticket pricing will end on August 8, and prices will increase to $120. 

SAN DIEGO (BRAIN) — BMC USA Corporation will be taking over Canadian distribution of BMC bicycles from Outdoor Gear Canada, effective Friday, the company announced.

BMC Switzerland and OGC have agreed to part ways, with BMC's U.S. subsidiary taking over all sales, marketing, and warranty activity in Canada.

OGC introduced BMC to the Canadian market in 2010, said Marcel Emmengger, BMC's international sales manager.

"Our Journey with OGC over the past few years has been one of positive collaboration and it has been a pleasure to work with such a professional and passionate staff. We are extremely grateful for their hard work in the establishment of BMC in Canada," Emmengger said. 

Canadian retailer will have access to more of the BMC line and an improved sales program, said Chris McLaren, BMC USA's general manager. "This, combined with more approachable retail pricing, will allow BMC to be more competitive in the market and increase distribution while upholding our tradition as a premium brand," McLaren said.

McLaren has hired four independent sales reps for Canada:

• British Columbia (excluding East Kootenay): Vince Marcotte, Bluebird Sport Services; vince@bluebirdsports.ca; (604) 935.7799
• Alberta (including East Kootenay, BC): Phil Villeneuve, Newtown Sales & Marketing; phil.newtown@gmail.com; (403) 678-0367
• Ontario: Kevin Macer, MACE Inc.; kevinmacer@gmail.com; (416) 562-8485
• Quebec and Maritimes: Marc Turbide, Agence Sport-tech Inc.; sportech@videotron.ca; (514) 916-8996.

Retailers can also contact BMC USA directly at (858) 863- 8170 or infousa@bmc-switzerland.com.

OSAKA, Japan (BRAIN) — Shimano's overall sales were $1.52 billion (156.3 billion Yen) over the first six months of the year, compared to $1.3 billion (133.1 billion Yen) last year.

Sales of bicycle components are up 19 percent to $1.2 billion (125.7 billion Yen) and are 80 percent of the company's overall business.

Shimano attributed its bike business increase to improving financial conditions in its three major markets — Europe, the United States and Japan. And since inventory levels in these markets were on the low side, supplier orders are strong.

Shimano fishing business is 19 percent of the company's overall business, growing to $296 million (30.404 billion Yen), a 13 percent increase.

In its first quarter report Shimano forecast its sales would be up 9 percent through June, far below the 17 percent increase the company realized. And though Shimano does not see any great improvement in the financial conditions in its major markets, it expects to pick up a larger share of the bike business and is revising its sales forecast for the year upward to $3.01 billion (310.0 billion Yen), a 14 percent increase over its business last year.

BEAVERTON, Ore. (BRAIN) — Yakima Products Inc. has brought aboard Ryan Martin, formerly a global director at appliance manufacturer Whirlpool Corp., as its new CEO.

In his previous role at Whirlpool, Martin worked closely with Yakima's parent company for the past seven years, including product design, development and delivery of product to the market. He spent a total of nearly 12 years with Whirlpool, holding roles in finance, marketing, procurement and global operations at the company's global headquarters in Benton Harbor, Michigan.

He also completed a two-year assignment in China growing Whirlpool's procurement footprint.

"Yakima is an innovative and iconic brand that has led the cargo management category for 35 years, and I am looking forward to being part of the Yakima team and helping our consumers live adventurous lives," Martin said. "We have an amazing platform for success and I look forward to helping Yakima achieve its full potential."

Jason McGibbon, Yakima's global senior director of sales, said: "Leveraging Ryan's long-term relationship and vast understanding of our manufacturing platforms will prove an absolute benefit in helping Yakima continue to deliver the most relevant and innovative products to our retail partners and ultimately our consumers."

WATERLOO, Wis. (BRAIN) — Trek Bicycle is offering a new version its Domane endurance race bike, with the company's new, tighter H1 geometry. The H1 geometry is also found on Trek's new super light Émonda SLR frames. The new model is called the Domane Koppenberg and will be sold globally as a frameset in limited quantities and only in Trek Factory Racing paint.

It will not be offered as a complete bike and will be offered only in 56, 58, 60 and 62 cm sizes because those are the only sizes used by the team. The frame does not have fender mounts and has a one-piece steel, non-replaceable derailleur hanger, as preferred by the team.

Fabian Cancellara won this year's Ronde van Vlaanderen on the frame. 

The frameset will retail in the U.S. for $4,199.99.

Trek also announced this week that is has added its Émonda frames to its custom bike program, Project One. The Émonda SLR, SLR WSD and SLR Team edition frames will be available in the program, which offers a variety of custom paint options, including its new sub-5 gram US Vapor Coat finish. The new Bontrager XXX integrated carbon bar and stem also has been added as a Project One option.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (BRAIN) — Mike Giraud, who has worked with many top athletes, teams and manufacturers at North Carolina's A2 Wind Tunnel, is joining the independent cycling analytics company Cyclologic as its technical director of cycling analysis.

At A2, Giraud has worked with the cycling industry and other sports industries on athlete positioning and product development. Giraud has created testing practices and protocols used by teams and others to maximize rider aerodynamics and power output efficiency.

"Very few people have the skill set to bridge the gap between engineering, diagnostic analysis and athlete the way Mike does," said Cyclologic's founder and chief technologist, Paraic McGlynn. 

Cyclologic, based in Arizona, consults and educates manufacturers, athletes, coaches and others on cycling performance-related science.  Giraud has been a guest presenter at Cyclologic analysis classes for several years, he noted.

"It's exciting for me to be able to focus on improving an athlete's performance using science and new technologies to help them achieve their personal and professional goals," Giraud said. "Paraic and Cyclologic have consistently been on the forefront of technology development, and I'm committed to helping them continue down this path."

RICHMOND, Australia (BRAIN) — Australian bike accessories brand Knog is coming out with what it claims is the first high-powered light specifically made for use with action cameras.

The waterproof quodos light pairs with the GoPro 2 and GoPro Hero3 and Hero3+. and will also attach to the Sony action camera used with GoPro conversion mounts. Its three CREE LED lights deliver 400 lumens of light; the light weighs 150 grams. It has multiple modes to adjust beam angle and brightness.

The light has a sealed rear battery door, aluminum heat sink, and a faceplate designed for use underwater as deep as 40 meters. The light will be available in black or silver. It has a replaceable, rechargeable battery that can be charged with a USB cord. The quodos also has a battery level indicators. 

The light is sold with a GoPro mounting bracket and two mount screws. It also has a cold shoe bracket allowing use with SLR cameras and tripods.

The quodos will begin rolling out this month in various international markets with a retail price of about $120.

OLATHE, Kan. (BRAIN) — Users of Garmin's GPS-powered cycling computers and its Garmin Connect website will soon be able to more seamlessly sync their data with third-party fitness aps and websites including Strava, MapMyFitness and Endomondo.

Now users can link their Garmin Connect account to their Strava account, so that activity data will be viewable on Strava immediately after the data is uploaded from the GPS device to Garmin Connect. MapMyFitness (including MapMyRun and MapMyRide) and Endomondo syncing is expected soon.

The company said it is working on more partnerships with other third-party applications.

KENT, Wash. (BRAIN) — Accell North America's SBS will begin distributing Selle Royal products in the U.S. this month; Selle Royal products will continue to be available from QBP and Highway Two, as well.

"Being one of the premier parts and accessories distributors in North America, SBS was an easy choice to make," said Nicolo Manonni, Selle Royal's business unit director. "It was certainly a bonus that we already have great relationships with the Accell Group."

SBS plans on having product available and ready to ship as early as Aug. 11.

PORTLAND, Ore. (BRAIN) — Teage X Sizemore's Denny bike has been voted the winner of a design contest sponsored by Oregon Manifest and Levi's.

Voters chose the design from the Seattle, Washington, design firm as "the ultimate urban utility bike." Designs from five design firms from around the country were the finalists, and were featured on BicycleRetailer.com last week. 

"We brought these teams together to explore from the ground up new options for the everyday rider," said Shannon Holt, Oregon Manifest's co-founder. "The results of their efforts have been met with extraordinary enthusiasm from an international audience, demonstrating that the public is more than ready for great design solutions in the commuter category."

The Seattle firm Teague designed the bike; the prototype was built by framemaker Tony Sizemore. They called the collaboration "Teague x Sizemore." The team said it aimed to create a design that would be able to endure the unpredictable terrain and climate of Seattle. The bike features integrated security, safety and convenience features for the everyday commuter. 

Features include:

Removable handlebar lock system
Quick stop handlebar lock system
Automatic gear shifting
Electric power assist
Integrated storage as part of the frame
Removable battery for easy charging
Minimal fender design that removes water from the tire
Fully-integrated turn signals, headlight and brake lights
Auto-on lights that react to natural light conditions
Safety lights that flood light onto the road around the bike

"We're very impressed and proud of what the other firms achieved with their bikes, and thankful to have had the opportunity to work with Taylor Sizemore on our 'Denny' bike," said Roger Jackson, the creative director at Teague. "The fact that this was a public vote means a lot to our team, so we're super excited to reward those voters by working with Fuji to refine the 'Denny' and bring a great biking experience to market."

"We're thrilled with the amount of attention and enthusiasm The Bike Design Project has gotten, and are excited to work with Teague x Sizemore to send this bike to production, " said Karen Bliss, Fuji's vice president of marketing. "The Denny features exactly the kind of innovations we had hoped would come from these collaborations, and we anticipate its success on sales floors across the U.S. introducing and reintroducing people to the joy, convenience, and simplicity of riding a bike."

More information: oregonmanifest.com.

SANTA FE, N.M. (BRAIN) — BTI has re-launched an expanded version of its Factory Service program, offering service for a variety of suspension and brake brands.

Brian Alexander has returned to the company after training with several suspension makers. Factory Service is an authorized warranty center for RockShox, Avid, SRAM, Truvativ and Cane Creek. It is also an authorized service center for Kind Shock, DT-Swiss, Magura, Marzocchi, MRP/White Brothers, X-Fusion, Hayes, Formula Brakes, and Hope Brakes. The company said it expects to add more brand additions and services in the coming months. Factory Service offers a 90-day warranty on service.

BTI Factory Service is offering free return shipping on any Factory Service order sent in this month.

BTI got its start 21 years ago as a suspension parts wholesaler and in its first year it introduced its Shock Treatment suspension service and tuning program.

"BTI has always been a go-to service center for bike shops around the country. We're pleased to be able to continue to support our customers with up to date training and technical expertise. We all know the most important thing is getting the customer back on their bike as quick as possible and we are always here to help," Alexander said.  

More information: bti-usa.com/public/factory_serv. 

ASPEN, Colo. (BRAIN) —POC is now using Channel IQ's third-party MAP enforcement services. Channel IQ will police advertised retail prices for the Swedish brand's products. The company also has recently hired 13 outside sales reps in the U.S. to service bike retailers.

"POC is a leader in helmet safety and design, and we strive to be a leader in support of the IBD," said POC's U.S. bike sales manager, Josh Fonner. "The success of our softgoods line has resulted in a growing number of SKU's and we recognize the need to support independent dealers investing in our brand. To this end, we are happy to announce our partnership with Channel IQ to help police and enforce our Internet MAP policy. With their help, we look to ensure the value of our retailers' merchandise to help move POC's and our retailers' brands forward."

Fonner said POC is still seeking additional independent sales reps in the following regions: Wisconsin, Minnesota, Indiana, Illinois, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota, and northern California.

New POC U.S. independent sales representatives:

• Wade Wittman (Wittman Sports Group): N.C., S.C., Ga., Tenn., Ala.
• Dick Brink and Casey Buckleitner: Ohio, Mich.
• Bob Hegeny (H&H Sales): Metro N.Y., northern N.J., Long Island/Westchester, N.Y.
• Matt Hagen (H&H Sales): SE Pa., southern N.J., northern Del.
• Michael Kowalski (H&H Sales): Md., Va., D.C., southern Del.
• Keith Murphy (H&H Sales): western Pa., Upstate N.Y.
• Dennis Lee (Dennis Lee & Co.): Fla. key accounts
• David McGinty (Dennis Lee & Co.): Southern Fla.
• David Reilly (Dennis Lee & Co.): Northern Fla.
• Greg Talbert (Talbert & Co., Inc.): Ore., southwestern Idaho
• Rich Sobieski (Talbert & Co., Inc.): Wash., Mont., Idaho Panhandle
• Doug Looney (Velo ADV Sales): Tex., Okla., Ark., La.
• Chris Nelson (Adrenaline Sport Group): Southern Calif.

AUSTIN, Texas (BRAIN) — TriggerPoint Performance Therapy is launching a line of hand-held foam rollers at the Outdoor Retailer show this week. The GRID STK line complements TriggerPoint's line of GRID rollers.

The hand-held rollers are designed to relieve muscular aches and pains while on-the-go. They have a three-dimensional textured surface and are available in two densities. They feature AcuGRIP designed for acute myofascial release and ease of use.

"The GRID STK is an evolution in foam rolling. We took the technology of the GRID foam roller that is globally known for its innovative approach and carried it into the hand-held market. The GRID STK is travel-friendly and allows you to take the pressure from the floor to your hands. Now anyone, including those who are unable to roll out on the ground, can get relief from minor aches and pains," said Cassidy Phillips, founder and CEO of TriggerPoint Performance Therapy.

The GRID STK and GRID STK X will be available online and in retail stores starting Sept. 15, with an MSRP of $34.99 and $39.99 respectively.

More information: tptherapy.com.

KETCHUM, Idaho (BRAIN) — Hotlines UK is the first U.K. distributor for the U.S. clothing brand Club Ride. Hotlines will feature Club Ride clothing during its Hotlines UK bike launch this week at Whittlebury Hall in London.

"We are excited to enter the U.K. market for the coming season," said Scott Montgomery, Club Ride's CEO. "Cycling has grown in the U.K. and we believe our casual-performance apparel will enable more people to look and feel better on and off the bike. Our goal is to improve the cycling experience for all with comfortable apparel."

Hotlines UK will offer a full selection of the brand's 2015 Spring-Summer collection.

Martin Astley, Hotlines' marketing manager, said, "It's great to bring something new and different to the market. A range of clothing that looks good on and off the bike, but also has highly technical design makes a lot of sense. There are a lot of riders out there that have a need for technical cycling kit they can wear at work, to the shops or in the bar. Club Ride is just what they are looking for."

LAS VEGAS (BRAIN) — Universal Sports Network will broadcast a one-hour program featuring the latest trends and technologies from the Interbike trade show.

Airing Sept. 26 at 8 p.m. Eastern time, "Interbike – 2014" will showcase products, innovations and fashions in an original production, the network said in a press release.

Host Craig Hummer will visit booths and conduct interviews at the show set to be held Sept. 10-12 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center.

"Following last year's positive response from both exhibitors and viewers, Universal Sports is thrilled to bring back the show for a second year," said Dean Walker, senior vice president of Universal Sports Network. "Cycling is an integral part of our programming, and we look forward to helping the sport grow by bringing the Interbike trade show to life and extending its reach to all bike enthusiasts."

Universal Sports' Interbike TV show debuted last year and featured cycling products from the OutDoor Demo and Expo floor.

Clips from last year's shows can be found on YouTube.

SAN FRANCISCO (BRAIN) — Urban bag and gear maker Timbuk2 has brought on Tre Pluss AS to manage the brand’s distribution across the Nordic countries (Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Iceland), the U.K. and Germany.

Led by Henning Hexeberg, Tre Pluss AS works with a number of outdoor, bike and fashion lifestyle retailers. Beginning with the fall 2014 collection, the distributor will start to supply Timbuk2’s line of messenger bags, backpacks, totes, purses, travel bags and accessories through wholesale, and will begin opening brand stores in 2015.

 “Timbuk2 is excited to begin a new relationship with such an experienced and like-minded distributor in supporting our expanding markets worldwide,” said CEO Patti Cazzato. “Northern Europe will be an important territory for Timbuk2 and we are committed to meeting the increasing demands for our product. We foresee a positive and effective partnership.”

 For more information about Tre Pluss AS, contact +47-2193-9000 or henning.hexeberg@timbuk2.no.